Wild Winter in SouthWest Gemany

If you’ve always wanted to ride on a husky sled, you’ll be pleased to know that you don’t need to go all the way to the Arctic for it. Siberian huskies also reside in the Swabian Alb. Near Bad Urach, dog lovers can be taken on a tour through nature by the sled dogs, whether it’s snowy or dry. But it’s best to hold on tight because these huskies can pick up considerable speed under the right steering. Once the pack tears off and moves through the wintery landscape to make a fresh tailwind wisp around your nose, the drudge of everyday life quickly becomes forgotten.

Go up on the chairlift and down on skis, almost anyone can do that. But those of you seeking more adventure can glide up instead by snow kiting. This involves being drawn along on your skis or snowboard by the wind as if you were surfing. If the wind is strong enough, it works just as well up- as downhill. The wide treeless peaks and gentle slopes in the southern Black Forest are particularly suitable for outdoor adventuring. It’s easier if you’re a skier or snowboarder, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t have previous experience. There will be a course giving instructions on the all-important basics on weather, wind, and equipment.

The longest sledging track in the Black Forest starts on top of the Feldberg summit. From here, you speed down into the valley over four kilometres. After one kilometre and 150 metres in altitude, the Todnauer Hütte presents an inviting place to take a break. It’s then another 400 metres in altitude of sledging fun all the way to the valley station. The more adventurous of you might like to start out from the Feldberg summit, the less daring of you can start from the Todnauer Hütte. Adequate equipment and previous tobogganing experience are recommended in both cases.

Think you can only cycle in summer? Not here in the Black Forest, where special snow bikes await winter sporting enthusiasts. They look like BMX bikes, just without wheels and pedals. But their short skis make them glide really fast on the snow and ensure an extra adrenaline kick when you ride down into the valley. At the ski lift of the Darmstädter Hütte close to Seebach at the Black Forest High Route, you can rent bikes for free if you present a snow-or skibike licence. In Oberkirch which is only a few kilometres away, pleasure cyclists can set off for a ride on an e-fatbike through the wintery Ortenau region.

Climb snow-dusted hills off the beaten track and trudge into untouched valleys: On snowshoe tours in the winter months, keen hikers can explore the snow-covered country around Isny im Allgäu on foot. What used to be the main means of transport for Canadian Inuits and woodcutters has become a popular sport with modern versions of snowshoes. If you don’t fancy venturing off alone, you can easily join a group. In the Isny area, guided tours take place regularly during the winter season. 

Whether you are on the cross-country tracks or practicing at the shooting range, biathlon is sure to bring you thrills. In Germany, this sports combination is therefore one of the most popular winter sports. Thousands of fans follow the action live or in front of the TV every winter season. Under professional guidance at Notschrei in the Black Forest Highlands, you can emulate the stars of the scene and experience for yourself how difficult it is to balance tension and relaxation in a matter of seconds. There doesn’t have to be snow for it. The course goes ahead whatever the weather.

If you fancy exploring the winter landscape in an amphibious vehicle, you can do just that at the Eisberg in Nagold. But when the vehicle suddenly breaks down in the wild, that’s when the polar expedition adventure really gets going: with the help of a guide, the aim is to fight your way back to civilisation on foot over rough terrain using a map and compass. The adventure includes fire making, outdoor cooking and sleeping in the open air. The survival camp experience only takes place in winter and can be booked for groups of up to twelve people.

No cloud or wind, dry air and a fresh blanket of snow are the ideal ingredients for an icy cold night with good views of the constellations of the winter sky. The Swabian Albs Star Park is not yet officially recognised by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). However, the stars above the Star Park still pose an extraordinary sight. Near Zainingen, there’s an special star-gazing spot with special loungers invites you to count shooting stars. When you’re wrapped up nice and warm with a pot of mulled winw or punch, it’s an unforgettable winter experience!

Peaceful and quiet, the Swabian Alb pose a beautiful sight on a winter night walk on the Zollenburg Panorama Trail when the snows in the light of the headlamps and the starry sky are gleaming competitively. And there’s never a dull moment on the tour through thick forests up to dizzyingly high viewpoints. You are sure to get goose bumps and see some unusual sights. There’s one highlight waiting right at the start of the tour: the Hohenzollern castle towers majestically up from the darkness, a sea of lights below.